The Trouble With Witches
Shadowvale #1
Paranormal Romance - Urban Fantasy
Kristen Painter
May 14, 2019
Audiobook
9 hours and 5 minutes
Bought
Shadowvale isn’t typical small-town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.
No one knows this as well as raven shifter Deacon Evermore, who, like everyone in his family, has a curse. While his position as Shadowvale’s peacekeeper lets him use that curse for good, he’d rather live anywhere else. He stays for his family but doubts he can last much longer.
Fledgling witch Emeranth Greer is determined to escape her past and make a fresh start in Shadowvale with the aunt she’s never met. Her aunt and the town prove to be far better than she imagined. There’s no way Em is leaving this magical place. Especially when staying means more time with the handsome Deacon.
But when Em’s troubled past catches up with her and nearly destroys the romance budding between her and Deacon, her instinct is to run again. Except there’s magic in the mix now, and the town won’t let her leave. Only Deacon can save her, but can a cursed man clear her name...or will her history destroy them both?
The Trouble With Witches is book one in the Shadowvale series by Kristen Painter and Narrated by B.J. Harrison.
Now I’ve tried Painter before in her Nocturne Falls series which I enjoy; because of the light laidback romances they are. Not a lot to them and sometimes it’s nice to just have something relaxing, cute, and fun.
Shadowvale is a secluded and magically created town that never gets any sunlight and only lets in those that need its protections. The town is full of supernaturals and cursed humans. Now this town has potential and I loved learning about it.
Emeranth Greer is determined to find a new life and hopes her aunt can help. She never expected to find a town that fascinates her and feels like home, but her aunt wants her gone. I wasn’t overly in like with our heroine. She was an ok character.
Deacon Evermore is the towns peacekeeper and he wants out of this town. He’s given the task of convincing Emeranth to leave and if he succeeds he will get his wish. I wasn’t overly in like with our hero either. He was just ok.
The Trouble WIth Witches was an agreeable listen. It had its fun moments, but it doesn’t really have a plot which is unfortunate. I did find the town and it’s cast of characters interesting and entertaining. The main focus is on the town and introducing it’s uniqueness. As for the plot/story we don’t get much of anything. No action, adventure, or a climax. And, the build up came with little pay off at the end. Things felt rushed and too easily wrapped up at the end which is sad. The story had potential at the beginning, but then died the farther in I got.
As for the romance between Emeranth and Deacon it happens fast all within a four day period. It wasn’t bad, just quick. I like my romances a little more drown out and not as fast.
Narrator: The saving grace to this story is B.J. Harrison our narrator. This was my first taste of B.J. Harrison and I really approached her narration. She kept the pace steady and moved the story along. All the voices where delightful and pleasant to listen to.
All and all The Trouble With Witches was a nice nonchalant listen. If you’re looking for a laidback relaxing listen then this one, is that. I may continue onto the next book or not. That is still undecided, but if I do I will be listening.
Rated: 3 Stars
Narration: 4 Stars
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Angela
I'm an outdoor sun loving reader living near San Fransisco. I’m a mother, wife, animal & book lover. I'm the owner, reviewer & mind behind Angel’s Guilty Pleasures. My favorite animals are horses & dogs. As for reading I love all things paranormal & urban fantasy & my favorite shifters are dragons.
Mary Kirkland
June 21, 2021 at 12:46 pm
The storyline sounds interesting so hopefully the next book will be better.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Happy Raturday!
Angela
June 22, 2021 at 4:58 pm
Thanks! The blurb for the next book and the others in the series sound interesting. We will see.
Sophia Rose
June 21, 2021 at 8:51 am
You’re right, the premise does grab one, but too bad the plot didn’t leap into action to match it and the characters didn’t really grab you. Maybe the next book will do better. Neat that you found a new narrator to love.
Angela
June 22, 2021 at 4:56 pm
Yes, its nice to find a new author. The blurb for the other books sound interesting and we will see. Thank’s for visiting!